BICOL, July 6, 2023 – Strictly accommodating organized farmer-groups for the Phase 2 implementation, the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program in Bicol Region conducted values formation training to Catanduanes, Masbate and Sorsogon beneficiaries to ensure collective participation, and build a sense of duty before project inputs receipt. 

The activity was facilitated by Mr. Jovinel M. Gianan, Philosophy major, an experienced values formation speaker, and currently SAAD Regional Information Officer, along with nine (9) Parish Deacons as resource speakers. Said training which was conducted from April to June 2023 was attended by 1,500 farmers from 60 farmers associations (FCAs) and Technicians from Municipal Agricultural Office (MAO) of Catanduanes.

The activity is part of the social preparation component of the program using an interdisciplinary approach that instills collective values and ethics among participants in a group-specific setting.  In this aspect, capabilities and goals acquired by each member were extracted and later used for reflection sessions.

Essence of Values Formation

As a holistic approach to community development, SAAD looks beyond economic development through livelihood assistance, but advances overall welfare and prioritizes readiness of its beneficiaries and their communities.

Values formation training provides perspective useful for groups to build a moral compass that guides them in decision-making, shapes group behavior, and cultivates a positive organizational culture. By integrating values into the SAAD projects, it empowers farmers to become agents of positive change by nurturing skills and knowledge, promoting collaborative partnerships, and fostering entrepreneurial mindset.

Through training, experts led the discussions on topics such as capabilities, weaknesses, and strengths of farmers to be able to reflect on their financial struggle and realities on the ground. 

The participants also engaged in workshops which assessed their interpersonal and intrapersonal conflicts such as having low self-esteem, which can potentially affect the productivity of their group. These concerns were addressed through the discussions on values and ethics, conflict management, and goal setting. The participants were reminded that having patience, understanding and a professional attitude are key factors in achieving group success.

Mr. Bobsoler Osida, member of Samahang Manggugulay ng Abni, said that the activity helped him gain better understanding about teamwork and how their group can find success through farming. As a first-time attendee, Mr. Osida also said that he looks forward to more SAAD activities in Sorsogon.

As a way forward, SAAD Bicol will complete the specialized training on food production and farm management in the third quarter of 2023, essential for production development. ###

Writer: Juan Paulo A. Quizana, DA-SAAD Bicol Associate Project Officer
Sources: Jovinel M. Gianan, DA-SAAD Bicol Information Officer, Pauline Trixia D. Borja, DA-SAAD Bicol Information Officer, Raynette B. De Jesus, DA-SAAD Bicol Senior Administrative Officer, NPMO-OPBME